"Everything I have is yours..."

When I was young, I remember my dad telling us... "I wish that the church today functioned like the church in Acts, where they held all things in common." He wasn't being critical, just reflective... My dad continued, "I hope that at least our family could work like that, sharing all things and not owning anything."

And then my dad looked at me and said, "Everything I have is yours... You know that."

These words have stayed with me, "Everything I have is yours..." And they weren't just words; he meant them. My dad is one of the most frugal and generous people I know.

Right now, with the economy, there is a lot of anxiety about what will happen to our finances. I know a lot of people are in tight places and that there will need to be sacrifices in the days ahead. The downward turn should not come as a suprise to us... we've been a nation living on debt for as long as I can remember; we are reaping the consequences of many levels of greed.

But, as I think about all of that, a hope and excitement rises within me. While these consequences will be harsh, the opportunities are boundless... We will need to rely more deeply on God and more deeply on one another... real community, real sacrifice, real love, real life! The mercies of God are new every morning; great is His faithfulness!

So before you panic about the economy... remember we have a God who has a Father's heart exponetially more generous and loving than the best of earthly fathers. God loved us so much that He sent his only Son to pay the consequences for our sin and rebellion. And the consequences of our sin were far worse than a bad economy -- they condemn us to hell and the wrath of God. Surely the God who has made provision for the greatest sin and debt of mankind, will still be near to those who seek Him. Do you know Him as your Savior?

God is our Father, and Fathers love to give good gifts to their children... He is Jehovah Jirah, the God who provides. I am looking forward to seeing how God will glorify Himself in the coming days... and what He will teach our hearts as we learn to trust Him more deeply.

God

Last month, I took a solitude retreat for a several days... I read through the book of Romans aloud, and then I started studying it chapter by chapter. At times I would walk around the lake, or retreat to the chapel and sing... sometimes praise, and sometimes songs of theological musings and questionings. There are many things about God that are had for me to understand. Oh the depth of the wrath and mercy of God!

God is not who I think He is... how I long to know Him more deeply! And for words to articulate the wonder of who He is!